Duo Seek Funds to Open Bed Stuy Grocery

Two Bed Stuy locals have taken to Indiegogo to raise funds to open a grocery store with fresh, high quality and locally sourced produce, meat and fish. The goal at Bed-Stuy Fresh and Local is “to keep prices affordable, both for the existing community, people who have been here for 20 years or more and to all the new people who are coming into the neighborhood,” said Sheila Akbar. She and partner Dylan Ricards promise to hire locally and give “local artisans and chefs a platform, and even hosts events from time to time.” They don’t mention grocery store experience, but they do say they have partners and contacts in the food industry. So far they have raised $3,081 of their $10,000 goal and have 33 days left for the campaign. The $10,000 will go toward store equipment such as meat and produce cases, refrigerators and juicers. In exchange for funding, they’re offering tote bags filled with local produce, massage, cooking and butchering lessons, and discounts on purchases. They plan to open on the corner of Patchen and Macon in October.